Former Paralympian track star Oscar Pistorius has been seen in public for the first time in eight years after serving nine years of a 13-year prison sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius, now 37, was convicted of fatally shooting Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013.
During his trial, Pistorius claimed he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar when he fired shots through a closed bathroom door. Prosecutors argued that he knew it was Steenkamp on the other side due to an earlier argument.
Recent images show Pistorius looking noticeably thinner and grayer, with a smile on his face. Since his release in January, he has been residing at his uncle's mansion in Pretoria, following a strict regimen of exercise and an alcohol-free diet.
Pistorius is currently on parole until 2029, subject to strict conditions including regular check-ins with his parole officer and a ban on social media and contact with the Steenkamp family. He is also required to undergo anger management therapy to address his temper issues.
Despite his attempts to find work, sources indicate that Pistorius has faced challenges due to his criminal history. A member of South Africa's Paralympic Committee stated that he is considered too toxic to be employed there.
Before his conviction, Pistorius was a celebrated Paralympic athlete known as the 'Blade Runner' for his prosthetic legs. He made history by competing in the 2012 London Olympics despite being born without fibula bones in his legs and undergoing amputations as a child.
Steenkamp's friends have expressed dismay at Pistorius' public appearance, with one friend stating that seeing him smile without remorse is deeply troubling.
